King's Oak Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 22 October 2024

The school has high ambitions for pupils' achievements. Pupils now receive the standard of education they deserve. They learn well in a calm and very caring environment. Adults know pupils' individual needs extremely well. This means pupils receive the right care and attention to help them achieve well. The youngest children in Nursery and Reception settle into school quickly. Warm relationships with adults help them to understand routines and the school rules. Older pupils love helping their younger peers in the playground and around school. Pupils generally behave well. They are respectful of others and look out for their friends if they are feeling sad. Those who need extra help with their behaviour receive effective support to help them calm down if they feel angry or upset. However, occasionally pupils find it hard to concentrate in lessons because there is too much chatting when they should be working. Pupils celebrate differences between themselves and others. They know they are each unique. Those who speak other languages, such as Lithuanian or Polish, are proud to teach their friends some words and phrases. Pupils also delight in receiving awards, such as 'Determined Dalmatian' or being the 'Golden Person' of the week. These awards motivate them to try hard and be kind.

What the school should improve

• The new approach to the teaching of writing is yet to yield its full impact. Some pupils have gaps in their knowledge, which means they are not able to produce the quality of writing they should. They do not always form letters correctly to spell with words with the accuracy they should. The school should ensure that it fully implements the work that has been started to help pupils develop and secure the necessary knowledge to become proficient writers.
• Sometimes in the early years, adults do not extend children's vocabulary effectively enough. This means that some children miss out on opportunities to hear and practise new language, thus slowing their literacy development. The school should ensure that adults continue to receive appropriate training so that children gain the rich and broad language they require for future learning.
• On occasions, some pupils' behaviour distracts them and others from being focused on their learning and trying their best. Staff are not always quick at stepping in to stop some low-level disruption quickly enough. The school needs to ensure that the high expectations for behaviour are implemented consistently to ensure that pupils concentrate on their learning.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)